Android Menu Item Addition Without Platform Code Modification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile phone manufacturers need to modify the Android code to add menu items for third-party applications, and once data is burned into the phone's memory, it cannot be modified, limiting users' ability to add menu items post-manufacturing.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that allow adding a menu item of a third-party application to a local menu without modifying the Android platform code by receiving a request for opening a local menu, obtaining the corresponding menu item from a stored correspondence, and directly adding it to the menu, using a configuration file to store the menu item and local menu ID, and displaying the updated menu.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a mobile phone manufacturer adds a menu item of a third-party application to a local menu by modifying an ANDROID code, then the menu item can be added to the local menu, but the process becomes complex and the data cannot be modified after being burned into the mobile phone memory

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to add menu itemsVSAvoidcode modification process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates the menu item data from the Android platform code by using an independent database table. The menu item information is stored in a separate data structure that can be independently modified without affecting the core Android code, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a configuration file as an intermediary between the third-party application and the Android menu system. This configuration file contains the menu item data and serves as a bridge, allowing menu items to be added without directly modifying Android code, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a mobile phone manufacturer burns the ANDROID platform and third-party application into the memory of the mobile phones, then the data is permanently stored, but the data cannot be modified again after delivery from the factory

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata storage permanenceVSAvoidability to modify data post-manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the menu item data dynamic by storing it in a modifiable database table rather than burning it into read-only memory. This allows the data to be changed, added, or removed after manufacturing while maintaining reliable storage, thus resolving the contradiction between data permanence and post-manufacturing modifiability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent prepares the database structure in advance with a dedicated table for menu items, but leaves it empty or with default values during manufacturing. This preliminary setup allows the data to be populated and modified later without requiring code changes, balancing reliability with adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If a user downloads a third-party application to the mobile phone, then the application can be used, but the user cannot add a menu item in the third-party application to the local menu of the mobile phone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser ability to add menu itemsVSAvoidmenu item addition process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables users to add menu items themselves through a simplified process. The system provides the necessary infrastructure (database table and configuration file format) that allows users to add menu items without requiring them to modify Android code or understand complex system structures, thus improving ease of operation without significantly increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9703454B2Method and device for adding menu item to ANDROID menu

Publication Date: 2017.07.11 HUAWEI DEVICE CO LTD

AI summary

A method and device for adding a menu item of a third-party application to a local menu of a mobile phone without modifying an ANDROID platform code includes, receiving a request for opening a local menu, where the request carries a menu identifier (ID), and creating a local menu corresponding to the menu ID, obtaining according to the menu ID, in a stored correspondence between a menu item of a third-party application and the menu ID, a menu item of a corresponding third-party application, and adding the menu item of the third-party application to the local menu, and displaying the local menu to which the menu item of the third-party application is added.